Reader Q&A: Mark Gonzales' White Sox mailbag

The Tribune's White Sox beat writer answers his final batch of readers' questions about potential compensation to Sox free agents, the future of Brent Morel and Dan Johnson's credentials at third base.

October 08, 2012|By Mark Gonzales, Tribune reporter

There were some in the Sox’s camp who didn’t think Johnson could play third base to their comfort. He’s played only nine major league games there. He committed two errors in 15 games at third for Triple-A Charlotte this season, but it was Conor Jackson whom the Sox were looking at as a possible third baseman had he not suffered an injury that sidelined him for about six weeks. Johnson did play 36 games at third for Triple-A Durham in 2010 and was charged with only one error, so I guess it’s a matter of opinion over his credentials at third.

The Instructional League ends this week, so there’s no chance of Johnson heading down there.

Baseball has become a young man’s game, with teams wanting a quicker return on their draft choice investments and the manner in which some teams have elected to pass on veterans in the offseason or waited until mid-season to sign them. But I believe that age discrimination exists among some teams who elect to let solid, veteran scouts go because of their age and not allow them to adjust to the times, whether it’s videotaping a certain player or getting accustomed to some type of new equipment.

I liked the idea of adding a Darren Oliver-type reliever around the trading deadline, but Donnie Veal made a strong impression late in the season and probably could have helped the Sox more frequently had the team not been afraid to lose Leyson Septimo to waivers in July.

The Sox got a lot of mileage out of the likes of Escobar, Jordan Danks and Dewayne Wise, but a more seasoned backup infielder wouldn’t have hurt. But I don’t think this would have been a major issue had the core hitters hit in the clutch in the final 2 1/2 weeks.

Our reliance on the home run is directly related to abnormally high strikeout totals at the No. 3 and No. 7 spots in our lineup. Tank is young and hopefully he can learn to lay off the inside pitches and in general, have better plate discipline. But we can't afford 200 strikeouts at No. 3 in the lineup. We need somebody similar to Alex Rios who hits for average and also some pop. Yes, the contract is prohibitive, but maybe we can get somebody to take Dunn if we pay one-third of his salary. (We took Rios with a bad contract).That would free up some money to find and pay that No. 3 hitter and bring him to Chicago. Your thoughts on my idea, and any suggestions who we can pursue? We won a World Series with Jermaine Dye! Peter, Dallas

I can’t see the Sox eating $10 million of the remaining $30 million left on Dunn’s contract unless they’re going to get a Mike Trout/Bryce Harper-type prospect, Rios has showed no signs of slowing down, so I’d say that was a risk that has paid off for the organization. Young power hitters are very difficult to acquire, and it’s why it’s important for guys like Trayce Thompson to continue his development and cut down his strikeouts.

I can envision Viciedo developing into a No. 3 or No. 4 hitter quickly. But the offense could use a left-handed hitter to supplement the lineup in the manner that Pierzynski did.

I’m sure that the high strikeout totals at the No. 3 and No. 7 spots will be addressed at next month’s organizational meetings, but cutting down strikeouts and maintaining the power levels will be a tough task.

What are the chances the Sox make qualifying offers to Peavy and/or Pierzynski to gain high draft picks in the event the Sox cannot match the years/total dollars these two gents might seek elsewhere? Isn't the primary risk that the Sox might end up overpaying but only for one season? Michael M., Cape Elizabeth, Maine

Yes, tendering offers to those players represents somewhat of a risk. But I expect Peavy and A.J. to receive multi-year offers that will provide them security that will weigh more heavily that receiving more money (in the case of A.J.) for one year.

I’d like to thank everyone who submitted questions throughout the season. I wish you all a healthy and peaceful offseason.